A month to tick off

Christina Savo with four-year-old German Shepherd Zara

Climate change and interstate holidays are thought to have brought the Australian parasite tick to Melbourne’s doorsteps, leading to this month being dubbed ‘Ticktember’ for canines and felines.

While feeding on your pet’s blood, the tick injects a poison that causes paralysis and can be life-threatening.

Their bites don’t affect humans this way. The Ticktember campaign has kicked off to raise awareness about these unwanted blood-suckers, with spring being the season when ticks develop into adults.